This module provides pre-service educators and in-service teachers with the strategies necessary for identifying and applying evidence based practices in working with students with special needs and their families.

Purpose

This module provides knowledge on evidence-based practices (EBPs) in special education. This introductory module provides information on the challenge of identifying evidence-based practices. It emphasizes the importance to analyze and review evidence-based practices. This module aims to expand knowledge base and capacity in pre-professionals, educators, and service providers. This module can also be used for faculty to adapt to use as course materials.

Rationale

Evidence-based practices (EBPs) is defined as a practice that has positive and socially meaningful effects and identified by scientific research is the most reliable way to determine “what works”. It is critical for meeting the unique needs of students with disabilities.

There are three distinguishing characteristics of EBPs from other types of reviews (e.g., meta-analyses):

1. Classify the evidence base of an instructional practice (e.g., EBP, potential EBP, Ineffective practice).
2. ONLY experimental studies with appropriate methodological quality are used to classify

Quality indicators used to determine methodological rigor.

3. Used a set of predetermined set of standards for determining sufficient level of quality and quantity (e.g., Council for Exceptional Children, What Works Clearinghouse) (Cook et al, 2019).

The steps of an EBP review includes:

Step 1: Identify a practice and set scope of review

Step 2: Identify standards and set inclusion/exclusion criteria

Step 3: Locate all relevant studies that employ a design from which causality can be inferred

Step 4: Use a set of EBP standards (e.g., CEC 2014) to identify methodologically sound studies

5. Determine whether there is enough evidence (i.e., methodologically sound studies) to classify an EBP

Objectives

After engaging with these resources, learners will be able to:

1. Understand the differences between evidence-based practices (EBPs) and related terms.
2. Describe three unique characteristics of an evidence-based review.
3. Examine components of an evidence-based review to
   1. identify strengths/limitations
   2. discuss findings and implications for practice
4. Discuss considerations and challenges to supporting the implementation of EBPs.